Hands-On History That Meets the Standards —
And Sparks Curiosity!
Archaeology 4 Schools offers dynamic Presentations, Workshops, and Excavation Experiences tailored to meet the Massachusetts Fourth Grade Social Studies Standards—and easily adaptable for Grades 3 and 5. Whether you’re in a public, private, or independent school, we collaborate closely with educators to ensure each program connects meaningfully with your curriculum.
But we’re not just for schools! A4S brings the excitement of archaeology to summer programs, homeschool groups, libraries, and camps across Massachusetts. Wherever young minds are eager to explore the past, we’re ready to dig in!
Choose one component below or combine several to create a custom experience that fits your group’s needs, budget, and interests.
Presentation
The presentation runs approximately 1 hour and is designed for a whole grade level in a larger space such as a library or auditorium with a screen. It gives an overview of the theories of Native American migration, the clues we have, and how archaeologists find and interpret those clues. The Presentation can be held as a stand-alone or may be followed by Hands-on Workshops in the classroom.
Hands-on Workshop
Step into the shoes of a real archaeologist in this hands-on, 80-90 minute adventure! Students will uncover the secrets of ancient pottery and discover how these everyday objects help us understand people from long ago. First, they’ll design and decorate their own pottery masterpiece – then smash it! and take on the ultimate challenge: putting the pieces back together just like archaeologists do in the lab. It’s creative, a little messy, and full of “aha” moments. Perfect for curious minds who love history, art, and solving mysteries!
This program is designed for up to 25 students in a classroom or learning lab setting. Extra students will incur additional cost.
Excavation Program
In the Excavation Program, students take on the roles of field archaeologists as Jeff leads a hands-on dig right on school grounds—or at a nearby location with prior permission. This isn’t just a simulation—it’s a fully immersive experience that brings history to life!
Students rotate through real archaeological roles like mappers, excavators, sifters, measurers, artifact artists, and cleaners, giving everyone a chance to uncover the past from different perspectives. The dig site is carefully pre-seededwith artifacts to ensure every discovery is exciting and meaningful.
Designed with all abilities in mind, the program encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and a little bit of (fun!) physical effort. And yes—expect to get dirty in the name of science!
Each class spends one hour at the excavation site, with 30 minutes between sessions to reset the dig for the next group. Multiple back-to-back excavations can be arranged to include as many classes as needed.
Since this program occurs outdoors, fall and spring are ideal times. Accommodations will be made for weather delays.
Pricing for the 2025-2026 School Year
5% discount when you choose two programs
10% discount for all three!
- Whole group presentation: $375
- Classroom workshop: $375 each
(Because of the length of the workshop, I recommend doing no more than 2 classroom workshops per day if you are also choosing the whole group presentation. Additional workshops in the same school can be done the next day.)
- Excavation program:
$250 per class
- Travel fees: $.75 per mile round trip